Ironwulf En Route
Down to the Port of Paganaman
Itbayat Island is actually a giant uplifted coral reef, and research claims it’s one of the world’s largest. Knowing this first time around made me think how this was possible. I guess that explains how the island doesn’t have a shoreline and the texture of the cliffs does resemble a giant coral. Interesting isn’t it? So how is it like living on a giant coral reef?
Sightseeing at Valugan Bay
When you’re in Batanes, always expect the unexpected. This small region is governed by the weather and the people’s strong belief. So whatever plans you’ve layout here, prepare to change it, as every turn on its winding roads, every change in the wind’s direction and the changes in the tide of the sea holds a few surprises. This we learned in extreme ways during our stay in the region.
The Taal Basilica Minore of St. Martin of Tours, is the biggest catholic church in South East Asia.
This is to continue the Taal Discovery. After our hike at Taal Volcano, we were off to the Taal Heritage town, which is 45min to an hour long drive from San Nicolas. It was already pass 5 in the afternoon when we reached the town itself. It was a very interesting town, quite small in contrast to Vigan but you could easily see the historical houses being towered by the gigantic Taal Basilica at the town center park. The Basilica is huge, and what a perfect timing that I forgot to bring my wide angle lens in times like this. I have to get really far just to take a shot of it.
A devotee lighting a candle and offering a prayer.
A bit unfortunate that it was already late and there was a mass on going inside the church. We couldn’t get up to the bell tower and view the whole Town of Taal from the top. So we just looked around the church. I’m really impressed by the huge columns that support the second level of the church. It looks very Roman and reminds me of the church pictures I see in Rome. Probably inspired?
Impressive gothic belfry in Bantay, Ilocos Sur
Will try to finish up the entries on our northern Luzon trip in the coming days. I will also have individual posts on some interesting objects along the way. The first couple of weeks has been very busy at work. Double deadlines as they say. Well to continue on…
The travel from Vigan to Laoag is only a couple of hours trip, but if you have time to spare there are lots of interesting stopovers on nearby provinces that would give your time and money enough its worth.
Bantay belfry and crimson church, Ilocos Sur
First off from Vigan is the Bantay Belltower and church. Now this is a must and you wouldn’t miss it since it’s on the highway and near the bus stations at the entrance of Vigan. From first seeing the belfry at the distance from the church gate I was already in awe at it’s magnificent structure. For me it’s one of the most magnificent structures I have ever seen. It’s baroque-gothtic style and color truly impressed me. Too bad the gates was closed we couldn’t get up, they said that this belfry used to be a lookout tower during the war. Not to belittle it’s church which stands a few meters away, the church boast a crimson facade and amazing window arcs emphasized by its white shade.
Forgive and forget. So easy to say yet at times so hard to do. But in time you’ll realize that keeping those anger and hatred kept inside is also like imprisoning yourself.
Pinacanauan River
Whoah! Been kinda late to update recently. I’ve been quite busy especially with the coming holidays and money just simply slips by so fast and I haven’t even completed buying gifts yet. Anyhow just some brief accounts of my 5 day long trip to Tuguegarao.
